1 Topic by auanta (edited by auanta 2022-09-20 02:39:28)

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Topic: Suggestions for a tiny, pocket-sized libre server

Well my foray into getting my BeagleBone Black to work with libre distros has been interesting. I came here to ask about compiling from source on ARM. The more I search, the more I find that I need to cut the BS out of my life. ARM isn't actually a libre architecture, the cape I got for it isn't fully libre. Attempting to install other distros on it, very few offer freedom from systemd. It hardly works at all on Parabola, if the wiki is to be believed. The device itself also has nonfree firmware for power management, apparently. And I'm honestly fully running away from the Linux kernel now that I found Hyperbola, can't go back.

Does anybody have any suggestions for a pocket sized libre server on which I can (at least someday) run HyperbolaBSD? The architecture doesn't matter to me, I just want a fully libre system. But small, portable, with ethernet port, able to withstand being online 24/7, cheap, not too much power consumption -- just like the BBB.

All these small companies making tiny computers, yet they just give out proprietary crud with them. What's the point? Better to just buy used, second hand stuff if it is going to have proprietary components on weak hardware. I want my money back... Bout to sell some things.

https://www.fsf.org/resources/hw/single-board-computers

Rockchip, Allwinner Axx and R8 platforms look good. But it's ARM. So Rockchip x86 yields...tablets? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Rockchip_products

Is Intel x86 Atom the way to go?
https://www.pcworld.com/article/439474/ … -deal.html

Not if I want a libre BIOS...
https://libreboot.org/docs/hardware/

H-node is kind of a mess.

I guess a Thinkpad x200 is the smallest possible?

2 Reply by throgh

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Re: Suggestions for a tiny, pocket-sized libre server

Perhaps you can use a compromise? Have you tried PC Engines APU.2E4 Board? Yes, it is not completely free but most oriented towards what is possible in combination and power-consumption. I have two small systems in usage, both running Hyperbola for years now and absolutely stable.

Human being in favor with clear principles and so also for freedom in soft- and hardware!

Certainly anyone who has the power to make you believe absurdities has the power to make you commit injustices: For a life of every being full with peace and kindness, including diversity and freedom. Capitalism is destroying our minds, the planet itself and the universe in the end!

3 Reply by auanta (edited by auanta 2022-09-22 01:09:30)

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Re: Suggestions for a tiny, pocket-sized libre server

throgh wrote:

Perhaps you can use a compromise? Have you tried PC Engines APU.2E4 Board? Yes, it is not completely free but most oriented towards what is possible in combination and power-consumption. I have two small systems in usage, both running Hyperbola for years now and absolutely stable.

Wow, yes, that looks like a really good computer! It even comes with coreboot preinstalled.. Thanks big_smile

4 Reply by throgh

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Re: Suggestions for a tiny, pocket-sized libre server

Cool, hope you have that much fun with it as I had and have with them.

Human being in favor with clear principles and so also for freedom in soft- and hardware!

Certainly anyone who has the power to make you believe absurdities has the power to make you commit injustices: For a life of every being full with peace and kindness, including diversity and freedom. Capitalism is destroying our minds, the planet itself and the universe in the end!